Game Break (Voluntary Self-Exclusion)
A stronger step to stop playing for a set period, across every BCLC channel and every gambling facility in British Columbia.
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1. What Game Break is
Game Break is BCLC's voluntary self-exclusion program, governed by the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Regulation, B.C. Reg. 217/2025. It is a voluntary commitment to exclude yourself from gambling for a period you choose, and it is a far stronger measure than a short break. Many players use it as a positive way to reset their relationship with gambling.
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2. How long it lasts
You can choose a term of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. The exclusion begins as soon as it is registered — there is no waiting period and no cooling-off window. Once it has started it cannot be cancelled or shortened, for any reason. If you take no action when the term expires, the exclusion continues for a further 12 months.
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3. What it covers
Game Break is not limited to this website. It covers:
every gambling facility in British Columbia with slot machines — casinos, community gaming centres and racetrack slot facilities;
all commercial bingo halls in British Columbia;
all BCLC online channels — PlayNow.com, the BC Lotto! App and the PlayNow BC Sportsbook App;
and this website.
During an active exclusion you cannot open an account, deposit or play on any of them. We check Game Break status at registration and at login. -
4. Prizes during an exclusion
Participants in Game Break are not entitled to jackpots. Where a jackpot or prize would otherwise be payable to a person who is self-excluded, it is withheld, and the withheld funds are directed to research into player health. This is part of what makes the exclusion effective, and it applies for the whole of the term.
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5. How to enrol
There are four ways to enrol, and you do not need an account with us to use them:
online, from your account or through our Customer Support channels;
in person at a participating gambling facility;
by video call;
by telephone.
You choose the term when you enrol. A longer term offers stronger protection. -
6. What happens when you self-exclude
Your account is closed to play and deposits immediately, and we remove you from all marketing and promotional communications. Any verified balance can be withdrawn, subject to standard compliance and identity checks. When a term ends, your account is not reopened automatically: you must contact our support team before play can resume, and if you do not, the exclusion continues for a further 12 months.
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7. Support is available
Self-exclusion is a sign of strength, and you do not have to do it alone. Free and confidential help is available in British Columbia through Gambling Support BC at 1-888-795-6111, 24/7 — funded by the Province of British Columbia, and open to family members as well as players — and through GameSense, including the GameSense Info Centre on 1-877-706-6789. HealthLink BC is on 811 and the Suicide Crisis Helpline is on 988. You can speak with your doctor or a local support service as well. When you are ready, you can start Game Break from your account, or contact Customer Support at support@lottobcmobile.co for help.